Can Someone be Saved Without Being Baptized?

Last updated on: June 3, 2014 at 2:14 am by Jordan Cooper

Can Someone be Saved Without Being Baptized? 2014-06-03T02:14:52-06:00 Jordan Cooper

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

When speaking about Baptismal regeneration, the question is often asked: What about someone who isn’t Baptized, but believes? Can they be saved?

There are some important distinctions we need to make when answering this question. There is a difference between something being a relative necessity and an absolute necessity. A relative necessity is something that is necessary in ordinary circumstances; an absolute necessity is something that is necessary in every circumstance. If Baptism were an absolute necessity, then no one could be saved without it. If it is instead a relative necessity, then one can be saved without Baptism. The correct position is the latter.

Baptism is the ordinary means that God uses to regenerate His people. However, God is not limited in what He can do. Scripture testifies that there are two means that God uses to regenerate: Baptism (Titus 3:5), and the Word (1 Peter 1:23). Someone can hear God’s Word and be regenerated, but not get Baptized. If they die before they are able to get Baptized, they will still be recieved into God’s kingdom. Baptism is not a human work that God is going to condemn someone for not doing; rather it is a divinely appointed means of grace. However, the lack of Baptism is a sign of unbelief. Thus, it is not the lack of Baptism that condemns but the rejection of Baptism. If you refuse to get Baptized, you are telling God: I don’t want your gift of grace. I don’t want your forgiveness. I don’t want to do what you have commanded your people to do. Rejection of Baptism is the rejection of the Gospel itself.

There are of course exceptions to this. Some people simply aren’t taught correctly about Baptism and why it is important, and so they don’t get Baptized. This is the unfortunate result of a faulty view of the Sacrament at work in American culture. Many people see Baptism as an optional way to express their faith in God, rather than God’s gift to his people. There are also some who are taught that they somehow have to come to a certain point of “worthiness” or “holiness” before they can get Baptized, and thus don’t receive the Sacrament. These people, if they truly have faith in the Gospel, will be saved.

So the answer to the question is: yes. Someone can be saved without Baptism. This, however, is not ordinary or desirable.

FAQs

Baptism

Sacraments

Previous Post

June 3, 2014

Does Baptism Save?

Next Post

June 3, 2014 What is the Distinction Between Law and Gospel?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category American Lutheran Classics Blog Posts Book Review Christian Dogmatics Course Church Resources Curtis Leins Dogmatic Theology Ethics FAQs Historical Theology Just & Sinner Publications Luther Quotations Podcast Sermons The American Lutheran Theological Journal The complete works of Revere Franklin Weidner Theology Proper Uncategorized Videos

Select a Month October 2019 September 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does the Red Horse in Revelations symbolize?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Famine War Deception Death